Walton Country Park

Walton Country Park, also known as Walton Colliery Nature Park, sits about 3 miles southeast of Wakefield and covers a mix of lakes, ponds, woodland, grassland, and a stretch of the Barnsley Canal. The national Trans Pennine Trail runs through the site, and there are marked paths for walking, cycling, and horse riding. Information panels are dotted around to point out things of interest as you go.

Wildlife is a real draw here. The ponds and lakes attract a good variety of birds, including ducks and swans, and the park is managed as a nature reserve to protect habitats through the seasons. Spring brings Cuckoos, summer sees Grass Snakes basking in the sun, and the grassland supports wildflowers including Common Spotted and Southern Marsh Orchids. It changes noticeably throughout the year, so there is always something different to look out for.

The park is open every day, around the clock, and car parking is free with plenty of spaces. It is worth knowing that there are no toilet facilities and no cafe or shop on site, so bring your own food and drinks. Paths can get slippery after rain, and horse riders share some routes, so watch your step. The main paths are pushchair-friendly and wheelchair accessible, and the terrain is mostly flat.

This is a good spot for families who want open space and fresh air without a lot of planning involved. Children can bring their bikes, and there is plenty of room for dogs to run. A picnic in warmer weather works well here, and the war memorial near the old colliery makes for an interesting stop along the red route.